Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Västerbotten County in northern Sweden

Authors: Sundström, P.¹; Nyström, L.²; Forsgren, L.¹

Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Volume 103, Number 4, April 2001 , pp. 214-218(5)

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Abstract:

Objective- To estimate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Västerbotten County in northern Sweden. Methods-Individuals with MS were identified from several sources. A follow-up interview and/or examination was performed in 94% of cases still living in the area during 1997-99. Onset adjusted prevalence and a definition of onset symptoms were applied. Results- A total of 313 cases were identified, resulting in an onset adjusted crude prevalence of MS for January 1990 of 125/10⁵ (95% confidence interval (CI): 112-140). Female predominance was evident (163/10⁵ (95% CI: 142-187) vs 86/10⁵ (95% CI: 71-104)). Diagnostic coding registers were the most important source for identification of cases. Conclusions- The crude prevalence of MS in Västerbotten was higher than previous reports from other major areas in Scandinavia. The adjusted prevalence was significantly higher when compared with a previous study from Göteborg, south-western Sweden. The methodology used in this study gives a high degree of case ascertainment and increases the comparability of multiple sclerosis epidemiological studies.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis; epidemiology; onset adjusted prevalence; onset symptoms

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0404.2001.103004214.x

Affiliations: 1: Neurology, 2: Epidemiology and Public Health, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden

Publication date: 2001-04-01